Jan 19, Manila: The Philippine government has agreed to assist Sri Lanka to eradicate illegal drug smuggling and will send a specialist team to the island to inquire on the technical expertise that can be provided to eradicate drug smuggling.

The assistance is provided as a special benefit obtained by Sri Lanka from the President of Philippines during the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's state visit to Manila, according to the President's Media Division.

President Sirisena Saturday visited the Philippines National Police (PNP) headquarters and engaged in an observational visit to the Drug Prevention Unit. The President also viewed an exhibition related to operations conducted by the Philippines government against illegal drug trafficking.

The President meeting with the Head of the PNP and senior officials of the drug prevention unit said that an open battle against illegal drugs is being carried out in Sri Lanka. The President mentioned that Sri Lanka has become a special transit destination for illegal drug dealers and he expects every possible assistance from all the countries of the world to prevent illegal drugs entering Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan President appreciating the Philippines President Roderigo Duterte's fight against illegal drug trafficking said that his visit to Philippines took place as an honor towards that dedication against the menace by President Duterte. He said the drug menace is a great challenge to the whole world. The President said that if proper steps are not taken the corrupted politicians linked with this situation are making it worse.

President Sirisena describing the process carried out to tackle illegal drugs in Sri Lanka said lives of several officers of the Drug Prevention Unit and police officers have been lost during the operations.

President Sirisena mentioned that his fight against illegal drugs was initiated by him 45 years ago when he was working as a government officer. He continued the program as a member of parliament, deputy minister and a minister. He was presented with an international award from World Health Organization. The President said he is carrying on the fight against corruption even today and that he would take important decisions within this year also.

President also appreciated the special services rendered by the police officers in eradicating illegal drug trafficking in Philippines.